1) Does courting work or even happen often in the UK?
3) Is it possible to have a courtship within the British culture?
I am not trying to question god's calling. I was just wondering if anyone had information that they could provide, as it is relatively uncommon where I stay, it is not a widely discussed topic and do not feel comfortable talking to one of my pastors about it, nor do I have any christian family members to talk about it with.
1 - "Does it work in the UK?"
3 - "Is it
possible in British culture?"
Surely you can see, by these two paraphrases of your question, that you are seeking if this is a viable concept where you live. Neither of these questions are simply asking details about how courtship works, but 'is it possible'.
So if we give direct answers to your questions..
1 - "
Does it work in the UK?"
If it's what God has set for you to do, why would it not work?
3 - "
Is it possible in British culture?"
You say it's what Gods called you to, so how could it Not be possible?
You asked 'does it work' and 'is it possible', so you can see by those questions, neither exactly sound as though you're confident in this idea being able to happen, and neither question is asking how does courtship work. So you can see where one would get the impression you were questioning Gods calling.
My understanding of courtship is basically you never 'officially' are dating, boyfriend/girlfriend. But rather you remain platonic friends, with an eventual intent to enter into a romantic relationship through marriage. So essentially you go from 'just friends' to marriage and bypass dating, even though you would still remain exclusive to each other. Which, to me, sounds like dating, so i have never really thought it made much sense. But that's just my opinion.
The other thing is, you can't spend time alone. Any 'dates' you go on must be accompanied by a chaperone. A friend or family member. This is to prevent any physical contact beyond maybe a hug hello/goodbye. And not just in the sense of preventing sexual behavior, but any sort of 'dating' behavior such as holding hands.
I see it as basically stifling nearly all romantic feelings and tendencies until marriage. And discussing all future plans, including marriage, as if planning marriage with any of your friends. Kind of an odd concept to me. But God can use things how He sees fit, and has His own reasons to call people to it. So if it's what God wants, then it will work, regardless of our own understanding of it.
But i have known people who have done it and married.
Keep in mind, courtship isn't not meant to happen multiple times, as you might do in dating and have multiple boyfriends over time. But courtship is intended as a one time thing as a precursor to marriage. So make sure, before you enter into it, that you are ready for the long haul.
